U.S. tells EU to hand back frozen Russian assets – Politico | 2 Dec 2025 | U.S. officials want the EU to return Russia’s frozen assets once it signs a peace deal with Ukraine, contradicting the bloc’s plans to use them to finance Kiev, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing diplomats. EU leaders want to issue a €140 billion ($160 billion) “reparations loan” to Kiev using frozen Russian funds as collateral, despite opposition from bloc member Belgium, which has repeatedly warned that the scheme carries financial and legal risks. According to the outlet, American officials told the EU’s sanctions envoy, David O’Sullivan, during a visit to Washington this summer that they planned to return Russia’s frozen assets after a peace treaty is concluded. Russia has welcomed U.S. efforts; however, it stated that while the initial American proposal could serve as a basis for a settlement, a number of points would need to be clarified.